In the past month I have really settled down into eating within the caloric intake suggested by Spark People. I have eaten more fruit and vegetables within the past month than I have in the last year. In addition to feeling better and having more energy, I am saving a tremendous amount of money by not eating fast food all of the time. That is not to say that I don't have a treat every once in a while, and I have had a couple of slips in the last month, but take it in stride, and go right back to my weight loss plan immediately after. I am still soda free. In fact, I took a sip of my daughter's Dr. Pepper about 2 weeks ago, and could not believe I was drinking about 5 or 6 of those sugar bombs a day. Additionally, I have taken to drinking brewed, green tea 2-3 times daily. I have read that not only does it provide antioxidants, help with inflammation, digestion, and lowering LDL cholesterol, but it may also help burn as much as 17% more fat during weight loss regiments. While I can't stand the taste, I have to say that at the very least, it helps me feel fuller by consuming warm liquid around meals.

Due to it getting dark so early, my wife and I have joined a local gym. I am trying to go to the gym 4 times a week, and trying to get out hiking on the weekend once a week. At the gym I am doing a 28 minute weight loss program on the elliptical with a 5 minute cool down followed by about 10-15 minutes of low weight, high reps on the Nautilus machines. I do this 2-3 times a week depending on whether or not I get to go out hiking. I alternate that with a 30 minute interval workout on the elliptical with a 5 minute cool down. No weights. The next day.

I have noticed quite a lot of change in my overall energy levels. I am not near as tired all of the time as I was. I have actually been looking forward to getting out and exercising! I have also noticed a large difference in the fit of my clothes. Mr regular dress shirts no longer pull at the stomach so bad that the buttons pop open when I sit, and I have even been able to fit into some dress shirts that have been too tight to wear up until this time. I have also been able to take my belts in a notch in the last week or so.

Right now I am focusing on getting down to 300 lbs. At that point, all of my current clothes should fit properly. As I purchased most of my clothes when I was around that weight. When I start loosing below that, I should really start seeing my clothes loosen up on me, and start having the need to buy new clothes. I can't wait!

I have taken to only posting pics and blogging once a month. That way it will be easier to contrast the amount of weight lost between posts.